“ This banjo surrounds hate and forces it to surrender. “
Quotes by Pete Seeger
Introducing Pete Seeger
Pete Seeger (May 3, 1919 – January 27, 2014) was a seminal American folk musician, singer-songwriter, and social activist. Born in New York City to a musically inclined family—his father, Charles Seeger, was a musicologist, and his mother, Constance de Clyver Edson Seeger, a violinist—he was immersed in music and social consciousness from an early age.
Seeger briefly attended Harvard University but left in 1938 to pursue his passion for American folk music. He traveled extensively, collecting traditional songs and honing his skills on instruments like the banjo and guitar. In 1940, he co-founded the Almanac Singers with Woody Guthrie, a group known for their pro-union and anti-war songs.
In 1948, Seeger co-founded The Weavers, achieving commercial success with hits like "Goodnight, Irene." However, during the McCarthy era, the group's perceived leftist affiliations led to blacklisting, curtailing their mainstream exposure.
Seeger's contributions to music include writing or popularizing songs such as "If I Had a Hammer," "Where Have All the Flowers Gone," and "Turn! Turn! Turn!" These songs became anthems for the civil rights and anti-war movements, reflecting his deep commitment to social justice.
Beyond music, Seeger was an environmental advocate, notably campaigning for the cleanup of the Hudson River. He founded the Clearwater Festival, an annual event promoting environmental awareness.
Seeger briefly attended Harvard University but left in 1938 to pursue his passion for American folk music. He traveled extensively, collecting traditional songs and honing his skills on instruments like the banjo and guitar. In 1940, he co-founded the Almanac Singers with Woody Guthrie, a group known for their pro-union and anti-war songs.
In 1948, Seeger co-founded The Weavers, achieving commercial success with hits like "Goodnight, Irene." However, during the McCarthy era, the group's perceived leftist affiliations led to blacklisting, curtailing their mainstream exposure.
Seeger's contributions to music include writing or popularizing songs such as "If I Had a Hammer," "Where Have All the Flowers Gone," and "Turn! Turn! Turn!" These songs became anthems for the civil rights and anti-war movements, reflecting his deep commitment to social justice.
Beyond music, Seeger was an environmental advocate, notably campaigning for the cleanup of the Hudson River. He founded the Clearwater Festival, an annual event promoting environmental awareness.